Exterior House Painting Guide

Exterior house painting tips: inspect each side

Walk around at ground level and photograph peeling, cracks, blistering, open joints and areas that stay damp. Sunny and shaded elevations can deteriorate differently. Note high areas and difficult access so they are considered before work is priced.

Our exterior repaint frequency guide helps you decide whether the coating needs cleaning, closer assessment or repainting. A paint job cannot correct the source of a leak or structural timber damage.

Prepare the cladding in order

First identify the substrate and repair moisture entry or damaged material. Establish whether old coatings contain hazardous materials before disturbing them. Clean using a method suited to the cladding, let it dry, remove unsound coating safely, feather sound edges, fill appropriate defects and remove dust. Prime exposed or repaired areas with the specified compatible system.

Our weatherboard painting guide and brick house painting guide explain the different surfaces. Keep drainage and ventilation openings clear throughout preparation.

Resolve failures and plan safe access

Investigate moisture, heat and adhesion before covering blisters. Our paint bubbling guide explains the useful observations. Photograph suspect areas from the ground rather than climbing to investigate.

Old lead paint needs a controlled removal and waste plan. Avoid dry sanding or uncontrolled dust and debris. Arrange suitable access and edge protection for high work; reaching sideways from a ladder is not a substitute for a safe work platform.

Choose weather, colour and the painting sequence

Choose a coating for the substrate and test colour samples on different elevations. Check any restrictions on dark colours for the cladding. Work in manageable sections from higher components down, protecting completed work. Brush edges and joints carefully, then spread the coating evenly at its stated rate, keeping a wet edge.

Check surface temperature, rain and dew risk against the product instructions. Allow the full recoat interval and suitable drying conditions, including overnight. Our exterior painting weather guide helps you plan a Manawatū weather window.

Build a quote brief that covers the details

List the elevations and components included: cladding, fascia, soffits, doors, window trim and separate structures. Include condition photos, colour preferences and access restrictions. Confirm the preparation, coating system and exclusions when comparing quotes.

Explore our exterior painting work to help describe the result you want. Our residential repaint service covers both interiors and exteriors, so related work can be discussed together.

Start here

1. When to Repaint Your House Exterior
2. Painting Weatherboards
3. Best Time to Paint a House Exterior

Explore the detailed guides

• Painting WeatherboardsPainting weatherboards: inspect timber, plan preparation and choose a coating system for your Manawatū home. Read GDPD’s guide and request a quote.
• When to Repaint Your House ExteriorHow often to paint a house exterior: inspect coating condition, exposure and maintenance needs. Use GDPD’s checklist and discuss your Manawatū repaint.
• Best Time to Paint a House ExteriorBest time to paint a house exterior in Manawatū: compare seasons, hot weather, rain and drying conditions. Plan your exterior repaint with GDPD.
• Blistering Paint: Causes and RepairsBlistering paint: identify bubbling, investigate moisture and adhesion, and plan the repair. Use GDPD’s checklist before repainting your home.
• Painting a Brick HousePainting a brick house: weigh appearance and maintenance, inspect moisture and mortar, and plan preparation. Discuss your exterior repaint with GDPD.